The Hilarious World of Depression

Steven Page Camouflages Songs About Depression

As co-founder and co-frontman for the band Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page belted out a lot of up-tempo pop hits. But if you look at the lyrics to songs like "One Week" or "Pinch Me," you can see a lot of darkness and that's an approach that has continued with his solo work. We hear about his bipolar diagnosis, his drug arrest, and his penchant for creating multi-layered music. You can order John's book on <a href="https://amzn.to/2vyKuoA">Amazon</a> (<a class="default" href="http://www.amzn.to/THWoDBook">amzn.to/THWoDBook</a>) or <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781250209283?aff=AmPublicMedia">IndieBound</a> (<a class="default" href="http://www.bit.ly/IndieTHWoD">bit.ly/IndieTHWoD</a>). Follow us on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/THWofD">@THWofD</a>. Like us on Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/thwod">facebook.com/thwod</a>. Support our show today: <a href="http://hilariousworld.org/donate">hilariousworld.org/donate</a> Visit <a href="https://makeitok.org/">MakeItOK.org</a> to get resources, tips for talking about mental health, and more. If you or anyone you know is struggling, there's help available, any time. It's free and you'll reach a trained volunteer. You can reach the <a href="https://www.crisistextline.org/">Crisis Text Line</a> by texting the word HOME to 741-741, or call the <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a> at 1-800-273-TALK.

A show about clinical depression...with laughs? Well, yeah. Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. Join guests such as Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Andy Richter, and Jen Kirkman to learn how they’ve dealt with depression and managed to laugh along the way. If you have not met the disease personally, it’s almost certain that someone you know has, whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor. Depression is a vicious cycle of solitude and stigma that leaves people miserable and sometimes dead. Frankly, we’re not going to put up with that anymore. The Hilarious World of Depression is not medical treatment and should not be seen as a substitute for therapy or medication. But it is a chance to gain some insight, have a few laughs, and realize that people with depression are not alone and that together, we can all feel a bit better. American Public Media and HealthPartners’ Make It Okay campaign are committed to breaking the stigma around mental health.